Massachusetts reporter Joe Reppucci's news and resources for those who love pets

The Ruff Report: Dogs and Safety

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About this blog

Joe Reppucci of Lexington, Mass., writes about dogs and keeping them a healthy part of the family. He has worked as a reporter and editor on major daily newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years and is a graduate of Lexington High School
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Joe Reppucci of Lexington, Mass., writes about dogs and keeping them a healthy part of the family. He has worked as a reporter and editor on major daily newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years and is a graduate of Lexington High School and of Suffolk University in Boston. He writes often about nutrition, behavior and saving money on pet supplies and insurance.

Most owners will pack food, treats, toys and a leash when preparing to travel with their pet, but many will overlook the most important item needed to prepare for a safe trip with your dog or cat because it cannot be tucked into handy, little bag.

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A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart

THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, is a nonfiction book about Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog who the author adopts at age 2. This beautifully designed full-color deluxe book, by longtime newspaper journalist Joseph A. Reppucci, contains more than 60 vibrant color photos of dogs to help illustrate the compelling and uplifting story of Samantha - a pretty tricolor bird dog who uses her warm personality to win people over and build a new family after being put up for adoption by a hunter because she is gun-shy and afraid to hunt. Learn how she uses her special bonding abilities with people to help her eventually make a transition from the hunting fields to family life. While reading the The Hunt of Her Life, you will travel with Samantha and the author along a trail filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way.The Hunt of Her Life is must reading. It will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

This simple item, or actually task, that can be so crucial to the safety and well-being of your pet when traveling is a visit to the veterinarian before you embark on your journey, an animal welfare official says.

Dr. Carol McConnell, chief veterinary medical officer for Veterinary Pet Insurance, advises owners to talk with their veterinarian to determine if a pet may need special preventative medical treatment for diseases specific to the travel destination.

“It is also critical to ask your veterinarian about unique exposures at your travel destination (such as mosquitoes and/or ticks), and inquire if preventive medication is appropriate for your pet,” Dr. McConnell states in a media release.

Owners should make sure their pet's vaccinations are up to date and receives a clean bill of health before traveling, Dr. McConnell said. “Traveling with pets by air requires specific attention because airlines will require a formal health certificate from your veterinarian.”

Your veterinarian can also help you determine if your pet's personality is suitable for travel and adaptable to unfamiliar surroundings, Dr. McConnell said.

Some 30 million people travel with their pets each year, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, and VPI offers these tips to those who plan to bring their pets along on vacation:

Make sure your pet is wearing identification at all times in case it becomes separated or lost. Verify that your pet’s ID tag is up-to-date, durable, legible and includes your mobile phone number.

Pack a recent photo of your pet along with current vaccination records. If your pet becomes lost, having a current photograph will make the search easier.